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Requiem for a Dream
(R, 1:48:30, Released 2000)
| Provider: | Hulu |
| Genres: | Drama |
| Released: | Oct 6, 2000 |
| DVD Released: | May 22, 2001 |
| Starring: | Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Jared Leto, Christopher McDonald |
| Directed by: | Darren Aronofsky |
| Synopsis: | Sara Goldfarb is a lonely widow who is revitalized by the prospect of appearing on television as a game show contestant, while her son Harry, his girlfriend Marion, and his friend Tyrone have devised an illicit shortcut to wealth and ease. Lulled by early successes, Sara, Harry, Marion and Tyrone convince themselves that unforeseen setbacks are only temporary. They ignore their deteriorating circumstances and focus all their energies on realizing their beautiful visions of the future. Even as the promise of fulfillment disappears to nothingness, they cling to the delusions that are slowly destroying their lives, denying reality until at last they are eye to eye with their worst nightmares. |
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Other Top Reviews
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No rating.January 5, 2009
Not worthy of a rating. Is this a another Reagan Administration-commissioned film like Red Dawn or what? Yes dope is bad, but they got half the symptoms wrong in this one. To have credibility as a cautionary film, it should be completely accurate. And heroin makes one's pupils contract, not dilate. The dope fiend film makers ought to know that much, If this film had had more plot, it might have been interesting instead of just depressing and melodramatic.
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January 3, 2009The movie does everything it's suppose to showing the rise and fall of drug addicts but it does have a lot of slow, boring and to be frank annoying (and sometimes repetitive) scenes.
Still, with that said, I don't think I've seen a better drug movie than this. Like I said, I only gave it three stars because there were a lot points where I was just bored. -
December 30, 2008Watching this film feels like being driven to the brink of insanity time and time again only to be brought back by being slapped round the face with a brick. Talk about connecting with the characters, in the end you are a character. Its the first time ive ever finished a movie and its felt like jolting out of a really bad acid trip back into the cold light of reality. Im not sure if i get the point, but there again, if there is a point i think ive just described it and will continue to do so while i talk about how it made me feel.
Its the first time ive given a movie 5 stars, so far only one documentary has impressed me enough, nd i feel a bit uncomfortable doing so because i hate this movie, its beautiful but in such a perverse way that i feel like i hate myself for watching it, but once you start its hard to stop. All in all, this isnt a movie, this is art. Art is a subjective mysertious thing nd i dont know what it is but what i do know is that this is it. -
December 25, 2008
Very rare does ugliness inhabit the world of beauty as wonderfully as this film. I was delighted and reviled by this film and by the end, I felt really afraid and terrified. It really whacked a certain consciousness in me and not knowing anything, it was literally a dosage hard to handle.
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December 24, 2008Good movie. Jared Leto talks like John Travolta from Welcome Back Kotter, and Jennifer Connelly is pretty hot. Pretty dark, and worth seeing just for the "ass to ass" dildo scene.
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December 22, 2008Amazingly well written and well shot film paralleling heroin addiction with dietary supplements. Excellent story, one you'll never forget. A definite must see.
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December 21, 2008
o yeah! this is the best one! ...Jared i love so much this movie! ...idk y but i just love it... it makes me cry u.u ...its a rele sad movie but i love it! lol
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December 21, 2008
The highs and lows of drug addiction. Asks the question are the lows worth the highs between the pill popping mother, the heroin or cocaine addicted son, his girlfriend willing to do anything for a fix, and his friend who just wants to make his mother proud there's no telling.
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December 13, 2008
Quizás pocos explícitos algunos detalles; como el que uno no entiende si a uno de los drogadictos lo han encarcelado (lo han colocado en rehabilitación). ¿Es exagerada en cuanto a lo cruel?. Extraodinarias actuaciones por parte de las mujeres. Me recuerda a algunos comics japoneses (Animatrix). Excelente tema musical; buena música ehn general, aunque pudo quizás haberse explotado más todavía.
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December 3, 2008
Characters masterfully show addiction in all it's deadly forms. Addiction means much more than drugs. A hard-hitting film with a believable cast accompanied by a unique film style. Watch as the lives of four people crumble around them.
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December 1, 2008
Great film but it''s so depressing you can only watch it once. Great performances all around. Makes drug use very unappealing.
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November 30, 2008
Incredibly gripping, gut-wrenching movie filmed with amazing style by director Darren Aronofsky; the use of split screens and shot, sharp cuts add the intensity of the film, to a perfect soundtrack by Clint Mansell
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November 29, 2008
increible musica, actuaciones inigualables, una viaje maestro al interior de las mentes adictas de ideas y esfuerzo humano, un ejemplo de superacion fallida...y de sueños alcanzados en un mundo irreal
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November 28, 2008
.....OH MY GOD!!! The most disturbing movie I've ever seen...
Beautiful at the beginning... f***ing heavy at the end... -
November 28, 2008
This is one the most amazing movies in American cinema. Everything from the performances to the writing to the way it is directed, Requiem for a Dream pans out a destructive story of four people involved in drugs and the downfall of their lives and relationships with each other. Drug addiction is displayed in this movie in such a real way; it rips into the heart and mind of the viewer like a high into an addict. The viewer is filled with so many emotions and ups and downs, this movie feels like a bad trip, but still we beg for more right until the very end. Although all the performances are brilliant, Ellen Burstyn?s performance is one of the greatest female performances in American cinema. This is one movie, no would should miss out on.
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November 23, 2008
great movie but one i will never watch it again because of how damn bleak it is (and I like downer movies)
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November 23, 2008
Ever been living the idyllic dream to have it suddenly veer off course and crash with brute force into the unrelenting nightmarish? Subconsciously or otherwise, director Darren Aronofsky places you in the foreground of his pulsating, nerve-wracking tragedy just to make sure the message is properly delivered, and you'll be hard-skinned not to leave the film feeling physically tormented and emotionally drained to some degree. 'Requiem for a Dream' is a picture that infiltrates your senses and becomes ingrained on a psychological level of something like manic bi-polar crossed with sheer bravado and amazement.
Aronofsky centres his artwork on the idea of drug-addiction, but the film isn't so much about this issue as it is an analysis of everything behind it. He considers all types of addictions and desires, from fame and fortune to the perfect body and a reformed life in the future. Those ideals are just out of reach of the finger-tips of the main cast, a stellar quartet of characters whose lives become shaped by what they want above everyday life. Instead of letting go when they have the chance, each of them fall victim by grabbing hold of an unlikely future and refusing to let go.
Based on the novel by Hubert Selby Jr, who adapted the book into the screenplay along with the director, 'Requiem for a Dream' easily stands as one of the most original and visceral film experiences ever committed to screen. Aronofsky doesn't limit the wonder to meticulous editing or unusual narrative style, but fleshes out his characters too, and advances the plot in a way that only makes sense as it continues. The idea of illusion and fantasy haunt every scene, every richly layered shot that propels from screen to mind.
Ellen Burstyn's phenomenal performance as Sara Goldfarb, an elderly woman with few friends and little reason to get up in the morning, stands as one of the films greatest assets and achievements. Her drug-addicted son and best pal are played by Jared Leto and Marlon Wayans respectively, and his designer girlfriend who wishes to set up a business one day is brought to life with great intensity and strength by Jennifer Connelly. The script never assumes them as archetypes or caricatures, but simply people with goals, wishes, and a flawed way of attaining them. Burstyn nearly breaks your heart.
It isn't hard to understand why such a controversial picture was ignored by most award bodies. It is bleak, devastating, packed with sickening imagery and shocking but depressing truths. It does offer resolve and comfort for the characters, but circumstance and desperation force them to refuse a helping hand, and follow their downward spiral into an abyss of hellish activity or restraint. But, disheartening as it may be, 'Requiem for a Dream' works as a frightening warning or plea. It is a haunting and visionary masterpiece, a devastating journey to the depths of the fragile mind and a harrowing account of four souls, trapped by ambition and recklessness, lost forever in an abusive cycle of self-destruction, doomed to their fate. -
November 19, 2008
The fill good hit of the summer. Really though I want to know how this movie became cool. I love this movie but it's not a mainstreem movie but everybody and there moma seem's to like it. I just don't get that.
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November 19, 2008
"Drugs Are Bad, Mmkay"
- Mr. Mackey
flick was shot so well. In the beginning had no idea if i could watch it the entire thing because i thought id' get bored but thank fn god, i stuck with it....What Kids did for underaged unprotected sex, this should have the same impact as drug usage, showing the path of where things'll take ya. -
November 12, 2008
This movie truly makes you feel. "Requiem for a dream" is a fight against drugs. The gritty cinematography with excellent visuals, editing and use of sound just make the film stronger. The movie has the greatest score I've ever heard on the big screen.
The four key actors give performances that will never be forgotten. Ellen Burstyn was robbed at the Academy Awards. Have we seen a more sympathetic performance on the big screen? Who the fuck is Erin Brockovich, anyways?
"Requiem for a dream" is in no way some Hollywood bullshit film that has a happy ending. There's a simple lesson to be learned: use drugs and fuck up your life. Lose you freedom, your health, your love and your future. The only feeling you will be left with is the feeling of the end coming. It's brutal, honest and more powerful than most films.
The movie is in no way for everyone but it should be seen by all. An excellent piece of independent filmmaking that will not leave you alone after the end credits. -
November 6, 2008I found this film about the reality of drug addiction to be slightly depressing and disturbing but ok nonetheless.
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November 3, 2008
es una de las peiliculas mas perturbadoras que he visto....debo decir que llamo mi atencion x Jared ... creo q las drogas (de todo tipo no solo ilegales) te arrastran a un mundo lleno de satisfacciones superfluas y vanas... es profundo el mensaje de esta pelicula... como lei en otros reviews es brillante pero no te dan ganas de volver a verla.... x cierto me encanta el tema principal del soundtrack de Clint Mansell
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November 3, 2008
Absolutelly brilliant, saw it at least 3 times and always amazed. Can't say anything until last title.
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October 31, 2008
One of the most depressing movies I have ever seen and strangely it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Beautifully composed score, phenomenal directing and the storyline kept my attention throughout the whole movie.
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October 28, 2008
At the beginning the twisting of angles and the oddness of the film made me think it wouldnt be worth the watch. Boy, was I wrong. This was one of the deepest and disturbing movies I've ever seen. Saddening on such a real level. Beautiful.
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October 28, 2008
I am giving this movie 4.5 stars, not because I loved it, but because of the reality of it. I can't even imagine being in the place of the people in this movie and it broke my heart a bit that there are people who live this. For some people, this movie is reality. I just finished watching it and have an overwhelming feeling like this is NOT how people are meant to live.
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October 27, 2008
As my friend Daniel once said 'It's one of those films where you have to see it, 'cause it's brilliant. But you don't really want to watch again'
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October 24, 2008
Great movie, shows how drugs destroys peoples lives, how it starts of small and ends up in a spiral that don´t end till people are dead or something just as bad.
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October 21, 2008
I got no one to care for. What have I got, Harry? I'm lonely. I'm old!!
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October 19, 2008
If you've ever been tempted to try drugs- watch this movie!!! Some scenes will definitely make you squirm. Even diet pills screw people up! Ellen Burstyn is amazing as always.
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October 17, 2008
A bold look at addiction, this film offers a glimpse into the seductions and horrors of drug use. However, instead of just targeting the obvious in illegal drugs, we also take look at the dangers of prescription drugs in America's obsession to 'fix it all with a pill.' Another issue to be noted is that of alienation amongst the elderly, in which Burstyn's Oscar nominated performance as a woman desperate for attention, is heartbreaking and pathetic. The film is a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows which mimic the effects of the drugs it targets, culminating into an inevitable tragic end. Aronofsky's extremely original and innovative editing choices make Requiem for a Dream a somewhat surreal viewing experience, much like being under the influence of something real strong; truly horrifying.
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October 17, 2008This is one of those movies that I do have in my collection, but I've just never gotten around to see it.
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October 16, 2008
FANTASTIC
jared leto does awesome.
truth about the outcome with drugs...
beautifully done. Bravo. -
October 15, 2008I don't care how good this film was in terms of filmmaking. It made me so sad and weep for days after.
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October 13, 2008
Stunning, surreal and disturbing.
Amazing performances from all actors, though I must say Ellen Burstyn was outstanding in her role as the lonely widowed mother. She made me ball my eyes out, that's how good she was. Jared Leto and Jennifer Connely were superb too and it was great seeing Marlon Wayans in a serious role.
Requiem for a Dream really puts you into the characters perspective and shows you how bad drug addiction can be and the drastic effects that follow. Love the haunting soundtrack too - perfect. -
October 12, 2008
This movie tells the story of 4 people and the way in which they gets addicted to drugs. This movie will blow u away. It's painstakingly real & gruesome.
I liked the way in which Aronofsky sends the message to the audience. It's very graphic and thought provoking.
Performance wise, everyone was very good. But Ellen Burstyn was exceptional. Watch her when she goes completely out-of mind.
If u want to see some movie abt Drug addiction, then dont miss this. grtly recommended. Good watch.. -
October 10, 2008
You know those movies that are good, but they're so fucked up you can't say you like them? Exhibit A.
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October 9, 2008
Although this is not the type of movie I generally enjoy (too depressing and just gross) it was filmed so absolutely beautifully that I immediately fell in love with it. I don't know how to describe this movie other than beautiful.
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October 7, 2008
watched the director's cut, and it is GREAT, the most perfect movie i've ever seen. i like the score, and the camera effects too -_-
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October 4, 2008
A startling display of how drugs can turn your world into dust. One of those movie you really don't feel like watching more than once. A somewhat differentiated portrayal of the characters (by the way, when will I finally see a happy movie with J. Connelly in it?), but at some point it turned a little bit one-dimensional in my opinion, concentrating on the demise of the characters, but losing their motives out of sight. What got them into starting in the first place? I don't doubt that you can end up like that as a drug user, but it's pretty much the worst case scenario. So if this is supposed to be something like a drug deterrence movie, good. Works. But I feel it's really focussed on tragedy. I definitely don't mean to glorify drugs, but I somehow felt dissatisfied with this movie.
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October 4, 2008
What an amazingly odd movie. Althougth the acting was good the story was a little off and way sad. All in all though worth the watch.
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October 2, 2008
Watch this movie and you'll never want to do drugs again or ever try them in the first place. This movie is so harsh and brutal, it's very hard to watch and even harder to forget.
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October 1, 2008
A film that charts the corrosion of four people's souls, the decaying of relationships and the shattering of delusions as the result of human weakness. This story shows us that there are forces more powerful than love and hope. It is a bleak examination of addiction's triumph over the mind and spirit. As opposed to many works from young filmmakers, it isn't experimental and apprehensive. This is a full-fledged, confident directorial vision carried out with utmost precision. Darren Aronofsky fills the story with a frantic energy, making use of everything from hip-hop montages to repetitive Snorri-cam shots. The whole cast is excellent, particularly Ellen Burstyn. I would not hesitate to say she delivers one of the finest female performances in cinema history.
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September 28, 2008
The real life dramas of these humans... tsk tsk tsk... haven't we all been there? haven't we seen it in the flesh? minus the memorable score.. but nonetheless... amazing true life shit.
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September 27, 2008
this movie makes an impact on anyone, drug user or not. I swore I would never use drugs after watching this movie. or at least be more aware of my usage. this movie shows really how horrible drug culture is, to an oustider anyway. the perspective makes perfect sense and is very heavy. shows drugs as a trap with no exit. watch out kids, dont dooo drugggs kidddds.
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September 24, 2008Wow...what else can I say...simply...wow. What I didn't like about this movie is that it is bizarre only for the sake of being bizarre. It's interesting enough at first but halfway through the movie, when everything suddenly makes sense and you understand what's going on, t=the rest seems repetitive and superfluous.
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September 22, 2008
A modern day horror film. Technically mind-blowing and emotionally raw. The power of the film is the compassion that Aronofsky has for his characters. We truly feel for these lost souls. The entire film is summed up nicely in a single shot: one of the characters is behind bars, trapped in his own addiction, screaming out for help and the film itself can barely contain his pain. It shakes and contorts violently. Form complimenting content perfectly. Burnstyn gives us an absolutely astonishing role and Mansel with the Kronos Quartet creates a heart-breaking score that lingers long after the film is over. Heavy but brilliant stuff.
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September 21, 2008
An extremelly good lesson of life! About dreams and extreme actions caused by the human needs, and also about the various ways of falling in the drugs world.
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September 19, 2008
Definitely not your run-of-the-mill film. I didn't really like it when I first saw it, but it grows on you over time.
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September 15, 2008
Ipnotico, ossessionante, su quel senso di vuoto che porta all'umiliazione autodistruttiva. Sembra un riuscito remake di un film giapponese. Molto brava Ellen Burstyn, colonna sonora memorabile.
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September 14, 2008
Ellen Burstyn is absolutely incredible in this movie. It's a fine film, but it really beats you over the head with its message.
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September 11, 2008
one of the most depressing movies ive ever seen, but thats not a bad thing. very similar to amores perros in the tone of the story. very hard to watch, but also hard to pull away from.
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September 11, 2008
Just one of those movies that are Really good and you really dont know why.
sad, loved the music. its just a really good movie. -
September 3, 2008Starts out good, then takes a turn for the worse and never recovers. If you insist on watching a movie about heroin junkies, I'd suggest Trainspotting.
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September 1, 2008
Extremely disturbing but could not tear myself away. Didn't think it was possible, but I did get emotional a few times. Regret waiting so long to see it.
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August 31, 2008
Extremely impressive. I wish I could see it again. Just imagining everything makes me cry. Says it all about drugs. A reality you don't wanna know about, yeah, but truth. A very powerful movie.
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August 30, 2008
A very powerful film about drugs and the resulting consequences of being addicted to them, Ellen Burstyn gives a powerhouse performance as does the rest of the addicted cast. The title may seem contradictory to itself, however, it is clear that the drug of each person's choice holds the power to make them realize they're dreams, only to end up destroying them. This film has changed my perspective on addicts greatly. Before, I disliked and thought them scum, but now I can only feel a deep sense of sorrow for those unfortunate enough to let their lives be consumed by a substance. This movie speaks true and aims to better let us understand the trials of an addict. This film will surely do to viewers what A Clockwork Orange achieved years ago. Terrify and sadden us.
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August 29, 2008
Brutal, honest, realistic, unforgiving, and dark. A haunting experience that everyone should not miss. Truly one of those movies that you should see before you die.
Some might say that Requiem for a Dream is a lifesaver, hooking its audiences and pulling them away from the detrimental use of drugs by presenting its horrendous effects, as frightening as possible. The way Darren Aronofsky directed the material is out of this world, and he managed to carry the film's hype and somewhat 'entertained' the viewers by such wild handling of the camera.
The film is edited very well, and Clint Mansell's eerie score won't stop ringing your ears. Jennifer Connelly gave a career-boosting performance, as well as Marlon Wayans and Jared Leto (although among the four, I consider him the least talented).
And watching ELLEN BURSTYN was a BLAST! HOW DARE the 2001 Academy Awards snub her of an Oscar? I consider Ellen Burstyn's performance in this movie as the BEST I've seen in years. She was so unbelievable. You just can't help it but to sympathize with her character and cry over her pains. She made Julia Roberts' performance in Erin Brockovich look wooden.
REQUIEM FOR A DREAM IS A VISUAL, DANGEROUS MASTERPIECE. It carries a message that everyone should get hold of. -
August 29, 2008
Aronofsky is great (this is his masterpiece), as great is the soundtrack by Clint Mansell.
Also the actors are good. -
August 26, 2008
Praticamente ansia allo stato puro. Inquietante a mano a mano che ci si avvicina al finale. Colonna sonora azzeccatissima.
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August 25, 2008
Requiem for a dream is a cleverly put together story, showing the lives of four drug addict, three addicted to narcotics and one to prescribed drugs.
The acting is great all around, the creative filming allows the viewer to understand the feelings of the characters and the music really dramatizes the situation.
Best performance has to go to Ellen Burstyn -
August 25, 2008
ENGLISH: This movie definitely creates strong (at times disturbing) emotions. It could be effectively used as a documentary to be shown in schools as part of say-no-to-drugs campaigns.
ITALIANO: Questo film sa creare delle forti (a volte sconvolgenti) emozioni. Potrebbe essere efficacemente usato come documentario da mostrare nelle scuole nell'ambito di iniziative contro la droga. -
August 21, 2008
very strong. i remember the first time i saw it i was like 'i'm never doing drugs again, i'm never doing drugs again'...
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August 18, 2008
Makes you open your eyes and want to rid yourself of all your habits and addictions before they escalate to ruin your life
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August 16, 2008
If all schoolchildren were required to watch this, we would solve the drug problem in a generation. Too bad they would also be scarred for life.
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August 12, 2008
Watched this again recently and I was pretty much knocked on my ass.
Downbeat, depressing, tragic. There is nothing uplifting or remotely hopeful in this tale and quite rightly so. As a study of addiction, this is powerful stuff.
Following these characters is like a descent into hell in which they can't stop themsleves. The visual's of the film are nothing short of stunning and the sound design is superb.
Acting wise, Jared and Wayons are excellent. They bring a real humanity to their characters and you can't help but like them despite the fact that they are low life junkies. Burnstyn has the showiest role and she is very good indeed, watching her slide into madness, it's scary and so convincing. For me, Jennifer takes the honours again... She is heartbreaking in this, and the descent that her character takes is so desperate and sad. She owns every scene, period.
This is a flick that delivers a real emotional punch. It's a tough watch and offers no answers at the end. It is an exceptionally well told tale with a totally dedicated cast. It also has that soundtrack, which is a thing of beauty in itself. -
August 10, 2008
"Now we come to step three. This... drives... most... people... crazy."
Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream is intense, uncompromising, disturbing and depressing. It is a rare film that is emotionally fatiguing due to the unremittingly powerful portrayal of its subject matter. Writer/director Aronofsky deserves to be lauded for his representation of drugs and the consequences of addition on everyday people. Aronofsky cuts no corners, nor does he dilute the material. Requiem for a Dream offers its audience no optimism, no respite and no escape. In fact the director is admirably not afraid to give its audience no pay-off at all.
The film is an adaptation of the mid-1970s novel penned by author Hubert Selby. Aronofsky tailored the novel to suit an updated agenda: this is a more contemporary re-imagining of Selby's dim and despondent world of drugs and addiction. Not much of Selby's novel remains; nevertheless there is the sense of malaise and the illustration of the highs and lows experienced by the characters as well as the dreadful deterioration into darkness that permeated Selby's original work. Aronofsky exercises masses of cinematic techniques to portray this decline into oblivion. He additionally utilises a sense of isolation to distance his characters in order that their cravings, which leisurely plague their inner core, discover no sanctuary in the sincerity of relationships. The subsequent collapse of reality consequently leaves them devastated and ravaged...they become shattered and measly shadows of their former selves. By no means is this a beautiful picture: Aronofsky cuts no corners nor does he endeavour to leave the viewer with any skerrick of compassion for these characters, yet you are compelled to feel penitence for their situation which is testament to both the actors and the intricate script.
Requiem for a Dream is primarily a tale that delivers a powerful message about the consequences of drug addition. The four central protagonists are vehicles for conveying a message regarding different varieties of drugs and how they can have equally tragic effects on individuals. There are three segments to the movie that occur in different seasons as the story progresses: the first third is Summer, then Fall, then Winter.
Harry Goldfarb (Leto) and his buddy Tyrone (Wayans) become dangerously addicted to drugs. In order to feed their growing additions, and to satisfy their waning wallets, they purchase drugs and redistribute them. Harry's girlfriend Marion (Connelly) shares a perilous addiction to drugs, and her descent into personal deterioration is far more profound. As her story progresses, she eventually sells herself into prostitution to pay for drugs.
Harry's mother Sara (Burstyn, in an Oscar-nominated performance) has a life revolving around food and television programs. When Sara receives a phone call inviting her on TV, she feels the need to lose weight. Eventually she becomes obsessed with losing weight, and ultimately purchases diet pills. An ostensibly harmless diet develops into a life-threatening addiction.
The disturbing stories are enormously difficult to watch, to say the least. Never does Aronofsky offer a glimmer of hope for the tragic characters. Requiem for a Dream was continually hailed as a masterpiece by many critics and audiences alike, but this masterfully-crafted tale isn't without flaws. Everything is incredibly depressing and commendably uncompromising for sure, however it's dourly predictable. Halfway through the film we realise that the consequences will be dire on the characters. It becomes systematic from that point forward. There are no unforeseeable twists or turns unfortunately: it's just an endless montage of misery that steadily expands the predictability.
Ellen Burstyn received numerous accolades for her performance as the troubled Sara Goldfarb. The role would have been extremely challenging due to the emotional depth and the profound transformation the character undergoes. At first so bright, colourful and exuberant...eventually she becomes drab and lifeless.
Jared Leto is equally impressive. His performance is wholly credible and engaging. He feels like any young male whose life is irrevocably and tragically altered by his craving for drugs.
Jennifer Connelly is another outstanding addition. Remember young Jennifer from films such as Labyrinth when she was a teenager? This is Jennifer like we've never seen her before. As her character is forced into sex shows and prostitution, her performance is unflinching.
Marlon Wayans is brilliant in a serious role. He could have made a career in dramas as opposed to comedy.
Overall, Requiem for a Dream is not a film for the faint of heart. The director wants an audience to feel overwhelmed by his graphic images of drug usage and explicit sexual activities. Originally the MPAA gave the film an NC-17 rating due to the content. The film was also released in a more dilute version to suit commercial purposes. This more watered down version was disowned by Darren Aronofsky who felt it made a lighter impact. -
